VW golf 1.8 gti T, need help on flushing radiator please

[Jeff321]

hi i have a golf gti turbo, 1999 model im planning on draining the radiator system and putting fresh coolant in it as its not been changed for god knows how long, does anybody know where to drain it from?, does it have a drain plug? and whats the best way of doing it?, also does anybody know how much radiator coolant should be put back in after the system has been flushed?

many thanks

jeff

[lw2]

Ive got a 1999 1.6. All i do is unscrew a plug at the bottom right side of the radiator (there is a pipe attached to it). When you open it make sure you open the cap on the coolant tank. When the tank is empty fill it up with new coolant (make sure the liquid line is between the max and min sign). A 5 litre bottle is more than enough. Make sure you top the level up after you run the engine for a while

[zollaf]

i would use a good brand of rad flush in it first, and follow the instructions on th bottle. usually you add it then drive for a few minutes or leave overnight. then drain it out, then fill with just water and run it shortly, then drain again. if the water comes out clean your ready to fill with coolant, if its still dirty, repeat till clean. this is more affective if you remove the thermostat first to allow full circulation. put the stat( preferably a new vag item) back in and fill with the correct coolant (g12, red in colour). run engine up to temp and top up as required. ensure the heater blows hot, and your done. keep an eye on the level for a coupke of days though.

[Jeff321]

thanks guys, yes i drained it filled water and rad flush, driven it for a while, and flushed it out again, i have put one whole bottle of g12 coolant in it from vw, it seemed as it is enough although i have not yet driven it, i did start it to wait for the water to circulate, but ive left it for tionight and will check again in the morning. i changed the coolant due to a stop warning light turning on occassionaly, but only on a cold start in mornings, also i realised that the heat temperature on the odometer was always going uip and down but never high; but was varying whilst driving??, whilst idle it would reach normal operating temperature, is this common or is it due to a sticky thermo?, airlock or anything else, the heathers are warm but only get hot when it reaches operating temperature, in the middle.

could anybody help with this?

thanks